Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Fall 2018

Focus Your Health 3 F O R M O R E Physical exam: Your doctor will probably ask questions about your symptoms and check your breathing. Spirometry: This test measures air flow in your lungs—how much air you can breathe in and how fast you can blow it out. TESTING FOR ASTHMA Your doctor may also recommend: ● ● Allergy testing to see what allergens might affect you ● ● A test to check how sensitive your airways are ● ● Tests to see if other medical problems, such as sleep apnea, are causing your asthma symptoms Breathe easier: Get connected to a doctor who can help you manage your asthma and allergy triggers. Go to hpsj.com and select "Find a Provider." Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute WHAT’S THE LINK? Common allergens that make asthma worse: ● ● Cockroaches ● ● Animal dander ● ● Dust mites ● ● Indoor mold ● ● Pollen ● ● Outdoor mold Other asthma triggers may include: ● ● Cold air ● ● Exercise ● ● Some illnesses and medicines ● ● Tobacco smoke, air pollution and strong odors If you have asthma, your airways are swollen and sensitive. Asthma triggers cause the airways to tighten further and make breathing more difficult. There is no cure for asthma, but medicines—and avoiding asthma triggers—can help you manage the disease. Not everyone who has allergies has asthma, but many people with asthma also have allergies. Allergies can trigger your airways to narrow. It’s important to know your allergy triggers, or allergens, so you can avoid them. THE ASTHMA-ALLERGY CONNECTION Most common and reliable method: Skin testing: Small amounts of specific allergens are placed in the skin to determine if there are any reactions. TESTING FOR ALLERGIES HealthReach 1000